Downer

Hi All: I had my preop testing today - surgery is the 13th, God willing. I am having the lap-band. I have type II diabetes - I am 240 right now. I met with a nutritionist today *****ally kinda bummed me out although I know this person knows their stuff and was only trying to help me be realistic and truthful with myself and it helped a bit. Thing is, things were said like most people who get the band gain all their weight back??? That I may be stuck with diabetes - that it will not be controled by the weight loss - and not to be surprised if I have to take medicine still. Just totally bummed me out.

Hey, We're date buddies! Mine is scheduled th 13th also! My experience with dietitians is they are very fact oriented. While what she said may have been literally accurate, that does not mean the odds are in favor of that happening. Losing weight does help most people manage their diabetes better. I think most doctors are now saying though it doesn't go away. It simply no longer has symptoms because the weight is lower which improves the ability of the body to use insulin, etc. Gain all their weight back? I really question this one. Why would insurance companies pay for this at all if they had data saying that. Insurance companies are not doing this to be nice-they expect a rate of return because of lower drug, etc. costs. I know in my case the surgery is about $20000 total (more or less) and my annual drug bill is $13000. A year and a half payback-sure the insurance company will do it. I am getting RNY not lapband, but the theory is still accurate. Sounds very familiar to some of what the doctor told me,but he also told me he had to say all of that so I knew the worst case. However the old bell curve says almost everyone will do better then the worst case. Take care, and good luck. We'll both be walking the halls next Thursday and Friday!

Thanks Ralph. Are you a bit nervous? I kind of am. This is such a life changing thing. Even my kids are acting up and worried a bit. I have reassured them and they can visit me in the evening after the surgery. Keep me posted on how you are doing. I will say a prayer for you on Thursday. Nancy G.

Hey Nancy! How ya doing? I had a minor burp on my surgery. Surgeon had a small leak. He fixed it but kept me in the hospital one extra day to make sure I was OK. I had to do a swallow test the day after surgery which I found kind of interesting. Walked two miles the day after surgery (doing laps on the floor-not at one time). Felt good. But I paid for it the next day! Hope you are doing well.